topic Re: Morse Code in Community Chat

Morse Code

sidsmom — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 02:50:02 GMT

Riiiiight before the forums flipped over, we had a sweet, sweet story related to Morse Code. Would like to revisit it.

Attn: Mothertrucker.....care to repeat your story?

Re: Morse Code

madcity411 — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 03:13:14 GMT

?????? What's this about?

Re: Morse Code

Mothertrucker — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 03:59:35 GMT

Sure!

My Dad, who had been a decorated fighter pilot and Air Force Colonel..At theage of 90, he had a stroke, and like so many in that predicment, lost the ability to speak- The first night in the hospital, was so horrible, facn=ing the fact thatI might never be able to speak to my dad again..

Looking at my Dad in that hospital bed, so small, so frail, so helpless, this brave man who had been at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked..It broke my heart.. I took his hand and began telling him how much I loved him..He turned and looked at me... HARD! !! I began squeezing HIS hand, saying I love you...He shook his head as if to say "NO!" and began to squeeze my hand in return.. I just couldnt figure it out..

Then it hit me! He was squeezing my hand in Morse Code, which he had taught me as a kid. Somehow, his pilot's mind had gone back to the time when he had to communicate without words..and he stared at me and squeezed my hand, as if willing me to understand..

And i did.. This man, would never ever give up, his tenacity was unbele-ievable- he wanted me to "hear " from him one last time, as he spelled, "I love you", haltingly, with his hand around mine...

i learned so much from him, and I will never forget that night..His brain and heart, never stopped working..even though his mouth and voice wouldn't cooperate... He had one last message for me.. and I "heard" it, loud and clear...

Re: Morse Code

Mothertrucker — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 04:03:54 GMT

This Sunday, ironically Fathers Day..marks 8 years since he passed..seems like yesterday

Re: Morse Code

Bestdressed — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 04:07:57 GMT

Mothertrucker, that is such a beautiful memory of your father. I cried as I read your story. My dad was also in WWII, and have such respect for all those that fought for our country. Thanks for sharing such a personal story.

Re: Morse Code

Lucibee — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:42:18 GMT

This is a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!

Re: Morse Code

Lucibee — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:05:06 GMT

It is too bad a beautiful thread like this is lost in gamers. Maybe someone could stat a Father's Day thread on another forum.

Re: Morse Code

sidsmom — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 13:09:37 GMT

Yes! A special Fathers Day thread would be nice. Thanks MT for sharing again.....love, love, love it!!

Re: Morse Code

Mothertrucker — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:01:26 GMT

Thank you all for your kind words.. My Dad was certainly my hero, no question-

He and my Mom rest for eternity at Arlington...buried together on the same day- unfortunately, it is a lttle far to go, and I don't get back thre much, but anyone who gets a chance to go, I urge them to see that inceredible place... where our hereoes grace the grounds for eternity..

The silent dignity there is overwheliming...

Re: Morse Code

VioletEyes — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:31:24 GMT

@Mothertrucker wrote:
This Sunday, ironically Fathers Day..marks 8 years since he passed..seems like yesterday

Such a handsome man! Your story really touched me and I thank you for posting it.

Re: Morse Code

lulu2 — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 14:53:18 GMT

What a wonderful story. It is so fitting that the anniversary of your dear father's death is this Sunday..

This will be my first FD without my sweet father. Thinking about it, the last few days, has made me at times physically sick.

Re: Morse Code

Bird mama — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:21:41 GMT

Mothertrucker, that has got to be one of the most tender stories I've read in a long time.

Re: Morse Code

Mothertrucker — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:22:59 GMT

lulu2, the first is tough...not that we ever forget ,or that the sense of loss ever goes away, but it does "dull" a little with time.. I am thankful for all the time I had with him, as I am sure you are.. I still want to "talk" to him sometimes, (mom too!)ask his opinion, ..that never goes away.. In a way, I AM him....his living legacy....as we all are for our loved ones who have passed...

Re: Morse Code

Burnsite — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 23:29:27 GMT

What a wonderful story, Mothertrucker. When I was little, my dad squeezed my hand in Morse Code so I would learn it. Sadly, when he had Alzheimer's he lost even that, but never his loving gaze.

Lovely post for the week before Father's Day.

Re: Morse Code

lulu2 — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 23:37:42 GMT

@Mothertrucker wrote:
lulu2, the first is tough...not that we ever forget ,or that the sense of loss ever goes away, but it does "dull" a little with time.. I am thankful for all the time I had with him, as I am sure you are.. I still want to "talk" to him sometimes, (mom too!)ask his opinion, ..that never goes away.. In a way, I AM him....his living legacy....as we all are for our loved ones who have passed...

Thank you Mothertrucker for your kind words. Last summer we took 4 generation trip to Ireland. The second day there, my 90 year old father just did not wake up. We are thankful he was never sick and vibrant until the end. We joked he thought Ireland was closer to Heaven than PA.

Re: Morse Code

Mothertrucker — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 00:25:30 GMT

I've been to Ireland...he might have been right! Blessed that he did not suffer....